Space Command and Space Force are not the same thing

Space Command and Space Force are two different entities, but chances are you've heard references to the latter in conversations around town.

Why it matters: The community is continuing to explore the potential impacts of U.S. Space Command's relocation from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Redstone Arsenal, which is expected to bring jobs to the area.

Zoom in: Space Force is a branch of the military, like the Army or Navy. Space Command is one of the Department of War's (formerly Department of Defense) 11 unified combatant commands.

• The difference between the two is the first question on Space Command's FAQ page. Its answer:
• "U.S. Space Force organizes, trains and equips space professionals and then presents those forces to U.S. Space Command and other Combatant Commands."
• "U.S. Space Command actively employs joint forces from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force to accomplish the command's mission."

The bottom line: Essentially, Space Command leads the military's operational efforts in space. Space Force is the branch of the military focused on space.

• Space Force has one base in Florida, two in California and three in Colorado. It's comprised of around 9,400 active-duty Guardians.

• Space Command is moving its headquarters, and up to around 1,400 personnel positions, from Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado to Redstone Arsenal.

What they're saying: "Our job is to defend American interests in space," said Gen. S Whiting, of U.S. Space Command, during a meeting in Huntsville with Mayor Tommy Battle.

• "So yes, I am a member of the U.S. Space Force, but I have Army personnel, Navy personnel, Air Force, Marine Corps personnel, even some international partners in our headquarters."

Go deeper: Redstone "ready to move dirt" for Space Command HQ